Social Media Policy

Purpose

Social media consists of Internet applications that allow users to communicate and share information with one another online. Associated Students, Inc. (ASI) at California State University, Dominguez Hills, utilizes social media to promote events and programs hosted and/or sponsored by ASI. In addition, social media serves as a tool to increase student involvement on campus, to inform student concerns, direct users to informational websites, and create a helpful and welcoming Internet environment.

Social media is a powerful tool to exchange information, raise the visibility of the university and engage with students, faculty, staff, alumni, and the Carson community. While social media is an effective communication tool, it also brings its own unique challenges. Individuals who contribute to official Associated Students, Inc.-affiliated social media accounts in their capacity as representatives of California State University, Dominguez Hills as a part of their employment must be mindful to post as a voice of ASI, not their personal views.

This social media Policy serves to protect Associated Students, Inc.’s legal interests and reputation, including its students, faculty, and staff through the responsible and reliable usage of all social media outlets belonging to ASI Marketing, Programming, and Public Relations personnel. 

Social media sites including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, Tik Tok and the ASI website allow Associated Students Inc. to accomplish their mission statement and goals regarding students’ representation at CSU Dominguez Hills. This policy applies to all students and professional staff, Student at Large interns and volunteers, and Board of Directors who share, like, post, create, or appear on all ASI social media platforms. 

Policy

On behalf of Associated Students, Inc. the social media Policy and stated guidelines are ensured by the Program Assistant for Social Media, under the direction of the ASI Marketing and Public Relations Coordinator. The Program Assistant for social media, under the supervision of the Marketing and Public Relations Coordinator, is also authorized to create new social media accounts, pages, or groups that represent Associated Students, Inc. online. In addition, the Program Assistant for social media or an authorized individual appointed by the Marketing and Public Relations Coordinator is expected to manage all accounts responsibly, ethically, and professionally under direct supervision by the Marketing and Public Relations Coordinator. Board of Directors, Toro Ambassadors, or other members outside of ASI Marketing are not permitted to operate or create new ASI social media platforms.

ASI-affiliated social media pages contact information should be up to date. All social media pages related to ASI at California State Dominguez Hills should include accurate contact information, including email addresses and phone numbers. Additionally, the social media pages should include the correct link that directs back to ASI’s web properties.

All social media log in information, such as usernames, emails, and passwords, are to remain confidential to everyone except for the Program Assistant for Social Media, Marketing and Public Relations Coordinator and Executive Director. In addition, all private messages and student interactions with Associated Students, Inc. on the Internet are classified and confidential. This serves to protect both ASI and student’s privacy, while maintaining a positive public environment for all viewers. If any information is shared and compromised, the Program Assistant for Social Media or the Marketing and Public Relations Coordinator shall be notified to resolve the situation immediately.

The content of ASI social media sites shall pertain to ASI-sponsored or ASI-endorsed initiatives, programs, services, and events. Content includes, but is not limited to photographs, videos, and hyperlinks. All social media content shall have the appropriate and correct information, references, and links. 

All requests for a post outside of the ASI organization must be made to the Marketing and Public Relations Coordinator. Programming and events financially sponsored by ASI do not require a request. Requests must meet the following requirements to be considered: 

• Event name, host, caption, date, time, and location. 
• Request must include Torolink rsvp link and must be approved by campus administration. 
• Caption must include the appropriate and correct information, references, and links.  

Requests must be submitted via email to Raven Jade Emmert, Marketing and Public Relations Coordinator at remmert@csudh.edu

Associated Students, Inc at CSUDH is committed to fostering an educational environment that allows for freedoms of speech and expression in accordance with the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. However, the Associated Students, Inc will not tolerate any activity or posting on an official ASI site that loses First Amendment protection such as any unlawful, defamatory, or obscene activity or posting. We reserve the right to remove any such posting without notice. Associated Students, Inc. highly discourages any discriminating, harassing, abusive, defamatory, or disparaging language of any kind on all Associated Students, Inc. social media outlets and in the workplace. Any misconduct or non-compliance with the Social Media Policy will result in appropriate disciplinary action. 

The policy does not, in any way, restrict or limit your ability to disclose facts relating to certain claims for sexual harassment in the workplace, testify truthfully in any public forum, exercise any protected rights, or comply with any applicable law or valid order of a court of competent jurisdiction or an authorized government agency.

Any posts, comments, or accounts on Associated Students, Inc. social media platforms are authorized to be edited or deleted at the discretion of the Program Assistant for Social Media. Replying to questions, comments, and concerns on social media is also allowed by the Program Assistant for Social Media. Such responses on behalf of ASI are expected to be posted promptly with appropriate information to tend to students’ needs. 

Establishing New Accounts 

All ASI-affiliated social media channels must be approved by the Marketing and Public Relations Coordinator. Anyone wishing to create an account on behalf of Associated Students, Inc. must be either the Program Assistant for Social Media or the Marketing and Public Relations Coordinator. To maintain organizational consistency, all ASI-affiliated social media assets must include “asi” in the username of the account, as well as the official Associated Students, Inc. Logo as their avatar.  

If any changes or exemptions of the Social Media Policy are implemented for Associated Students, Inc.’s overall needs and interests, they must be reviewed by the Program Assistant for Social Media or the Marketing and Public Relations Coordinator and approved by the Executive Director.

Implementation

The Social Media Policy shall be implemented immediately following the Associated Students, Inc. Board of Directors approval.  This policy shall be reviewed annually for any needed revisions or updates. 

Last updated by Rules, Policies and Procedures Committee On February 2nd, 2023